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HARRISON, N.Y. Author Priscilla Gilman will speak about her book, The Anti-Romantic Child, on Wednesday at the Harrison Public Library as part of National Autism Awareness Month.
The Anti-Romantic Child is Gilmans first book. She grew up in New York City around writers and artists, making her childhood a whirlwind of imagination. But when her son Benjamin was born with autism, it changed Gilmans perspective.
Though Benjamin was an extraordinary child, the signs of his remarkable precocity were also manifestations of a developmental disorder that would require intensive therapies and special schooling, and would dramatically alter the course Priscilla had imagined for her family, according to a press release.
Gilman, a scholar of English romantic poet William Wordsworth, uses his poetry in her book as a way to speak of her journey through crisis and disenchantment to a place of peace and resilience.
Library Director Galina Chernykh said that after reading Gilmans book, she sought out the author to come speak in Harrison. Chernykh said she had heard that Gilman has spoken on morning television shows and at colleges and media events, which is one of the reasons she felt Gilman would be a good fit for the Harrison Public Library.
Her book is very emotional and well-written, Chernykh said. Its a rare combination of poetry and real life.
The event, sponsored by the Friends of the Harrison Public Library, will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the library. For more information, call 914-835-0324.
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